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Wednesday, November 19, 2014

New Hope-Solebury "Leis" Off Drugs

Hannah Mui

Staff Writer

New Hope-Solebury joined thousands of other schools across the nation in celebrating Red Ribbon Week from October 23 through 31. Since the start of elementary school New Hope-Solebury students have been signing the pledge to be drug-free. Red Ribbon Week began in 1985 after the murder of Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Enrique Camarena. Camarena was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered by Mexican drug trafficker After Camarena’s death, citizens from his hometown Calexico, California created red ribbons in honor of him. Eventually, the red ribbon became the symbol for the prevention of illegal drugs.

Since, then the prevention of illegal drugs has grown larger each year. Now, schools all across America help to honor Agent Camarena and spread awareness of the dangers of illegal drug usage. New Hope-Solebury started off the week strong on Tuesday by wearing team sports gear in hopes to “team up against drugs.” On Wednesday, students and faculty came to school dressed in Hawaiian apparel to “lei off drugs.” Thursday was “staying drug-free is no sweat” day and almost all students wore sweatpants and sweatshirts to show their support to be drug-free. On Friday, Halloween, students “scared away drugs” by dressing in their Halloween costumes.

Throughout the week two large posters stood in the main lobby. These posters informed students about the dangers of alcohol and marijuana. Also cards were passed out that showed students how to say “no” to underage drinking and the smoking of marijuana.